A SERVICE which helps people with learning disabilities in Hastings and Rother live independent lives has been given a glowing inspection report.

Hastings Community Support Service, run by East Sussex County Council, was rated ‘outstanding’ – the highest possible grading – in its latest report by the Care Quality Commission.

The service, based in Dalmeny Road, Bexhill, provides specialist support to adults in their own homes, including support with social activities, daily living skills such as shopping and cooking, and personal care.

Inspectors said the service was outstanding in the way it responded to clients’ changing needs and ‘put people first at all times’, with a particular focus on helping people live independently.

Staff showed ‘passion and commitment’ to providing the best possible support, while clients were ‘overwhelmingly positive’ about the service they received and were treated with ‘kindness, dignity and respect’.

Cllr Carl Maynard, East Sussex County Council lead member for adult social care, said: “Services such as this play a vital role in helping people with learning disabilities live full, independent lives.

“This report provides richly deserved praise for the service manager and her staff, who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best possible service to clients.

“It was particularly heartening to see recognition of the focus on encouraging and supporting clients to pursue a broad range of activities and interests and to play as full a role as possible in their community.

“As the report notes, the service puts people at the heart of everything it does, and the positive impact this has on clients and their families is clear for all to see.”

The report was based on findings from a visit by inspectors earlier this year, feedback from clients, staff and community professionals and reviewing care files, medical and other records.

The full report can be viewed at http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-2116809451